Slashdot summaries are frequently a bunch of opinions stated as if true, followed by pointless questions, submitted by people with a vested interest in the topic. Is this actual journalism, an opening for debate, or does this suggest another purpose?
Yes.
Because, if they were the same, why do they have separate law?
taking something that doesn't belong to you without paying for it.
Copying is not taking away!!
Theft deprives someone of something, while copying it potentially reduces (or increases) its value. Copyright infringement is not theft, or we would not need a whole separate law to address it.
What if everyone did exactly what I did? How long would you stay in business?
What if I sell ice and somebody invents the fridge?
What if I sell steam machines and somebody invents internal combustion engine?
What if I sell books and somebody invents the e-book (that is so easy to copy)?
What if I sell ham and somebody invents a machine that produces ham at no cost?
Can I ask to imprison someone?
"He's using encryption, so he must be a terrorist. Ship him to Gitmo".
Can we say the same for all DRM encrypted media on Internet?
"It's the best thing since professional golfers on 'ludes." -- Rick Obidiah